Buckhead Hoops Festival Recap: Part 1
Atlanta, GA-The second annual Buckhead Hoops Festival Powered by Beth Bristow Tutorial Services was even bigger and better this year with some of the top teams in Metro Atlanta squaring off. There is a unique environment to this event with all the schools being in such close proximity to one another which created great student fan turnout. The event also serves as a fundraising event for a great organization in the Alzheimer’s Association. Here is part 1 of our Top Performers
By Dr. Kris Watkins-Owner/Director of Southern Hoops Report, Video Director for On The Radar Hoops
2028 Jaden McCullough (Holy Innocents’)
After an impressive performance at Hawks Naismith on Saturday, McCullough was back at it, showing his ability as a lead ball-handler and director of traffic on the offensive end. While his outside three off the dribble often stands out, there were several point-guard details that I really noticed this game—such as calling for a drag ball screen in late transition or turning down a ball screen on the left wing, attacking the basket, ball-faking to a shooter in the corner, and then finishing with a left-hand floater over a 6’9” defender at the rim.
His ability to play off two feet has really improved and it opens up more scoring opportunities when he gets into the midrange. And if his own shot isn’t there, he consistently finds open teammates on the opposite wing for clean looks from three.
He scored 11 of his game-high 24 points in the fourth quarter, including a game-winner from the corner with three seconds left. Already a Top-10 point guard nationally, his stock should keep trending upward as the season progresses.
2027 Quint McGrath (Mount Vernon)
McGrath is one of Georgia’s top outside shooters, and when paired with his strong size on the wing, he becomes a very intriguing long-term prospect. He moves well without the ball, consistently finds his spots, and is ready to shoot when the ball is swung his way. He also showed a willingness to put the ball on the floor and attack the rim, using his upper-body strength to finish through contact. He is active on the glass and slides his feet well to keep his man in front of him on defense.
2027 Cameron Cannon (Lovett)
Cannon is one of the top scorers in Georgia and has been on a tear to start the season. What stands out most is that there are no wasted dribbles in his game, and he can attack effectively in either direction by reading whatever the defense gives him. He consistently gets to his spots using his crossover and change of speed, either getting all the way to the rim—where he finishes well with either hand—or stopping in the midrange, where he elevates smoothly on his pull-up jumper.
2027 RJ Scott (North Atlanta)
A high-energy wing prospect, Scott is constantly in attack mode, scoring off cuts and strong drives to the basket. He is an impactful defender as well, blocking multiple shots in the game against Lovett. He is especially effective putting the ball on the floor and going at the rim, finishing through and over defenders with physicality and touch. Scott finished with 21 points and 8 rebounds.
2027 Conrad Ogden (Westminster)
He came out early with a bang, throwing down a ferocious dunk down the middle of the paint and never let up as the game progressed, finishing with 25 points in the win on a barrage of three-point jumpers and strong finishes in the paint. Standing at 6’6″ with great length and smooth outside shooting touch, he has the tools to become one of Georgia’s biggest stock risers this season.
2026 Hayden Clay (Pace Academy)
The future Georgia Southern Eagle, Clay is a true force on the interior scoring over either shoulder where he fights for deep position in the lane. He has shown to be a confident face up shooter stretching the floor and taking them within the flow of the offense. Effectively uses his size and length at the rim to block and alter shots.